Monk's Blend

I steeped 3.5 ounces in 212 degree water for 4 minutes. The result was a delicious dark brew of black tea with sweet notes of grenadine (traditionally made from pomegranate juice) and vanilla. I could taste the pomegranate a little more than the vanilla. I really enjoyed this flavor profile! I always enjoy fruit-forward black teas and added vanilla is always a nice touch. This would be great iced during hot weather with a little sugar. I found this tea to be unique and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the flavor profile of grenadine.

As I opened the package, the robust scent of black tea immediately struck me, subtly balanced by floral undertones. The brewed tea displayed a rich, chestnut-colored hue and presented a refined flavor profile, characterized by light malt, floral accents, a hint of vanilla, and a sweet, fruity note courtesy of the grenadine. The finish was notable for its peppery undertones, attributed to the marigold. This blend is truly remarkable, and I strongly recommend it, particularly as an invigorating afternoon tea option.

A soothing cup of Monk’s blend from Whistling Kettle was a relaxing afternoon sip on this Fri-YAY end to this week. It is a black tea with hints of warm vanilla and hint of fruitiness similar to a cherry or pomegranate flavor. This blend is touted as being a favorite of Franciscan monks and used to keep them awake during meditation. This was a unique and enjoyable blend from Whistling Kettle and look forward to enjoying the cold brew currently preparing in the fridge.

Today's sampling consists of Whistling Kettle, Monk's Blend. Had to break out the cat mom mug for this blend. The ingredients include Black Tea, Calendula Petals, Marigold Petals, Sunflower Petals, and Natural flavors. Wow, the package releases an aromatic fragrance. Yum. The scent features notes of a very sweet vanilla. Adding sugar I experienced a smooth blend of floral and vanilla flavors, with a subtle sweetness. The flavors are expertly balanced, making this tea yummy. I also enjoyed it with milk on my second cup. This was my second favorite from the 3 we tried as a review team.

Opening the package the tea is aromatic. Notes of sweet vanilla and lovely floral. The tea blend is visually pleasing with flowers petals mixed into the dried tea leaves. I prepared the tea as recommended and steeped for 5 min. My first sip was a smooth mix of floral and vanilla with a hint of sweetness. The flovors are well balanced and almost creamy. Making this tea truly a enjoyable delight.

If you like fruity blends, you are going to love this one!

I was able to try this three ways: hot, hot with milk and cold-brewed. When brewed hot, this is a super refreshing fruity vanilla black tea. I don’t get in-your-face grenadine (pomegranate), but it is there and it makes this tea quite delightful. When I added a splash of milk, it turned this tea into a fruity dessert-in-a-cup. I loved this hot!

I was also able to cold brew this tea with two perfect tea-spoons worth of tea. This was my favorite out of all of the ways I tried the tea. The fruity pomegranate was still there, but cold brewed, I got this amazing vanilla note. I loved this!!!

Monk’s Blend from The Whistling Kettle is a keeper.Right out of the bag, it’s beautiful. The black tea leaves are scattered with bright yellow petals—calendula, marigold, and sunflower—which make it feel like you’re brewing something a little magical.

Once steeped, it turns a lovely copper color and gives off a fruity aroma that had me guessing—apricot? Peach? Either way, it’s delicious.

The flavor is smooth with a subtle natural sweetness. It’s fruity, but not overpowering—just the right balance. I tried it both with and without cream and enjoyed it both ways, which isn’t always the case with flavored black teas. It even makes a really refreshing cold brew—light, smooth, and slightly sweet.

If you’re into black teas with a fruity twist, this one’s definitely worth a try. I’ll be keeping it on hand for both cozy mornings and sunny afternoons.

Most attribute a Monks Blend tea with flavors of grenadine and vanilla to the Franciscan Monks.

However, Monks Blend from The Whistling Kettle is a harmonious blend that to me brings the essence of summer to mind with a black tea base with golden colors of calendula, marigold and sunflower petals.

Where images of flowers flowed and bees buzzing from petal to petal in search of golden nectar.

From the packet, this blend is one where sweetness of these summer flowers appear with floral notes intwined with creamy vanilla that lingers. I especially enjoy the finish of the marigolds peppery aroma.

I prepared mine in 200 degree water and let it steep for four minutes which resulted in a rich chestnut infusion.

From the first taste, the black tea base gives way to those same floral noted the appear in its aroma embraced by the silky taste of vanilla. I love how this lays delicately on the tongue.

I added a splash of vanilla cream which really enhanced its flavor and the calendula notes took the lead. I have always been a huge fan of calendula with its bright veracious scent . It simply reminds me of sunshine in a cup.

For those that wish to experience the true essence of summer in flavor form, Monks Blend from the Whistling Kettle is a must.

I really enjoyed this Monks Blend! The first scent of this tea is a floral, fruity wave layered over a deep black tea aroma. Upon brewing, the sweet, fruity grenadine note becomes more prominent. This is a traditional Monk’s Blend, featuring a vibrant and bold black tea that blends beautifully with the sweet grenadine and creamy vanilla, softening the slight astringency. I enjoyed my first cup hot, just as it was, and my second cup with a dash of sugar and milk. Yum!

I love monks blend i have tried several other before and this one is no different just as yummy
I steep at 212F for 3 minutes and am drinking it hot and plain, this tea is wonderful it is rich and creamy, the black tea is prominent and not muted by the creamy vanilla, theres a touch of sweetness but its not overwheling, this tea is fantastic perfect for a midmorning pair with breakfast or a mid afternoon sweet treat, its got such a nice desserty feel

Monk's Blend has a delicious creamy, nutty vanilla scent in the package with a background note of citrus. I brewed it per the instructions with 1 teaspoon per 8 oz at 212° for 5 minutes. It produced a lovely chocolate shade. The first sip was a bit more bitter than I anticipated. The fruitiness is fairly pungent and I'm getting all of that flavor on the roof of my mouth. I added in some stevia leaf, which helped neutralized the bitterness. I then decided to try it with a splash of soy milk. I think I like it better with just the stevia leaf. I enjoyed this as a breakfast tea to start the day.

I am enjoying this rea. Will ned to purchase more.

Bitter!
Very strong
Still tastes good though I just need to find out what to add to it for a bit more of an easier drink.
Drank it with a little agave syrup for sweetening but it was still super strong and bitter, may need to try it with coconut oil next to see if it helps smooth it out some. If it's still really sharp maybe try with milk not coconut milk, feel like coconut milk makes everything taste chocolatey.

Excellent flavor and body; a perfect Monk’s tea. This blend is not easy to find- Whistling Kettle will be my go-to now! The real deal

This tea was incredible. It had a lovely vanilla flavor with a slight floral undertone. I enjoyed this one plain but could see this holding up well to milk and sugar.

I’ve tried many black teas and monks blend has the most interesting flavor profile. It’s great in the morning, and as someone who drinks black and earl grey day and night, I’ll give a warning: this is one you don’t want to overbrew. I’ll leave earl grey steeping in the pot all day without issues, but monks blend is too strong. It gets very bitter and astringent, which makes my stomach turn. Amazing flavor, but take the tea out of the water after 4-10 mins. It also seems to really have some caffeine! Not a nighttime tea in my opinion.

A great combination of flavors, highly recommend

I really like the smell of this tea as it is poured from the pot. Don’t get me wrong, it tastes good too, but the smell ❤️

This is a very smooth black tea with flavoring, and it tastes slightly sweet on its own. I do like to add milk and sugar to my cups. I like the vanilla-fruity aroma and taste. I’m not usually a fan of pomegranate flavored things, as they are usually too tart for me, but this is a subtle grenadine note, smoothed by the sweeter and stronger vanilla note. The black tea seems to be the right strength for the brewing instructions and is not bitter or astringent to me. I haven’t tried it iced yet, but I bet it would be more interesting than plain black tea prepared that way.

I love this tea! It tastes so nice and the smell is even better. It's perfect with or without a sweetener.

I didn’t know if I’d like this tea or not so I just bought a sample pack. As soon as I tasted it I ordered I large bag. It is so good with a little cream in it.

i have drink .... Monk's Blend for over 20 years ..the best tea ever ..cold or hot ....its great !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I drink it every day with a tablespoon of brown sugar or a tablespoon of honey and some half-and-half. It is absolutely my favorite.